Suspect links pellet gun to denial of permit for real gun

Thursday

Mar 28, 2013 at 6:00 AM

By Scott J. Croteau TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

A man carrying a pellet gun during an early morning break-in attempt Wednesday on Prospect Street had a very honest explanation for carrying the fake weapon: He couldn’t get a permit to carry a real weapon, police said.

John Boguzis, 28, of 65 Prospect St., allegedly told arresting officers he was denied a license to carry a firearm by Worcester police. That was the reason he was carrying the pellet gun, police said.

That type of honesty is rare to find in a suspect, said Police Chief Gary J. Gemme, who confirmed he denied Mr. Boguzis’ application for a license to carry.

“This is the first time someone admitted they were denied a license to carry by the city,” the chief said. “It shows the system we have in place works. We are trying to keep firearms away from people who are not suitable to have a license to carry.”

Police were amazed how realistic the pellet gun looked. It even had a laser sight.

“When I look at it I cannot tell the difference. I’ve had access to a number of firearms through training and my years on the SWAT team,” Chief Gemme said. “It is real authentic looking, and I would challenge anyone to identify that from a real firearm.”

Officers were called to the area of 63 Prospect St. around 5 a.m. Wednesday for a report of a break-in going on. The home was under renovation and the caller said a man was seen walking through the home.

Police received a description of the suspect and began searching the area. Mr. Boguzis was found a short time later and identified as the man who had been in the house.

“A search of the Mr. Boguzis produced a knife and rubber gloves. Mr. Boguzis informed police that he had a pellet gun in his coat,” police said. “The pellet gun looked very similar to a handgun. It was all black with a large barrel and a working slide.”

Police asked why he was carrying the pellet gun.

“Mr. Boguzis stated that the reason was because he was denied a license to carry a firearm by WPD,” police said.

Officers checked the home and found the front door had been opened. They said evidence linking Mr. Boguzis to the crime was found. Mr. Boguzis was charged with breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony and carrying a dangerous weapon. He will be arraigned in Central District Court.

Police have seen people use fake guns or pellet guns in the past to commit crimes. One man was shot by police — not fatally — when he pointed a pellet gun at officers and fired it back in March 2008.

Officers are put into a difficult situation anytime a fake, pellet or real gun is used in a crime, the chief said. If a suspect points that weapon at an officer there is no room for the officer to hesitate, he said.